Biochar; Definition, Utilization and Effects on Agricultural Soils

Carbon rich solid materials produced by thermo-chemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen limited environment is defined as biochar. The impact of biodiversity on soil fertility and plant growth is determined by the interactions among characteristics of biochars and amended soil, application rate and requirements of crops grown. However, many reports have been published indicating that biochar can directly or indirectly influence physical, chemical and biological properties of soils due to high pH, porous structure and large surface charge. Ability to adsorb phytotoxic organic molecules with its high surface charge and surface area and to suppress soil-borne pathogens can be considered as positive effects of biochar on plant production. In this review, remarkable findings of 50 studies conducted on investigating the biochar use on agricultural fields particularly effects on soil fertility and crop productivity have been summarized, compared and discussed